“It’s Not Just Troops, It’s an Overall Strategy”
By SusanUnPC on July 23, 2008 at 11:00 AM in Barack Obama, Flag officers, Hillary Clinton, Iraq, John McCain
Barack Obama, who has no experience with or in the U.S. military, seems to think military requirements are solely this: “[Y]ou tell me what it is that we need in terms of boots on the ground, in terms of equipment, in terms of other capabilities that are gonna be required.” To Obama, the military is “man and machine.”
It is obvious that Barack Obama doesn’t know the full history behind the political successes achieved by our military concurrent with the “surge” in troop numbers.
It is clear Barack Obama doesn’t realize that many of our nation’s most insightful historians and political and social scientists are in the military, and that it was their input that has been key to quelling much of the violence in Iraq. See Larry Johnson’s August 2007 story, “The Success in Al Anbar” in which Larry posits that “[t]he success achieved in Al Anbar has nothing to do with the surge and everything to do with finally tapping into genuine experts who know and understand Iraq.” Larry quotes an essential story by Walter Pincus in the Washington Post that credits a 300-page report, “Iraq Tribal Study: Al-Anbar Governorate,” that was “put together by a distinguished group of retired military counterinsurgency specialists and academics, each with Iraq experience [and] was circulated in the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., at the time led by then-Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus.”
Pincus writes that “the support of Sunni tribal leaders against al-Qaeda in Iraq,” which is “hailed as one of the few successes from the U.S. troop increase this year,” came from the Iraq Tribal Study which “provided a handbook on how to gain that support by covering the basics.”
How I wish I’d been Katie Couric, just for yesterday. I would have asked Obama:
How much influence did the Pentagon report, Iraq Tribal Study: Al-Anbar Governorate,’ have on the successes you’ve attributed solely to the Sunni leaders? You told ABC News that you “did not anticipate … the convergence of not only the surge but the Sunni Awakening in which a whole host of Sunni tribal leaders decided that they had had enough with Al-Qaeda, in the Shiia community the militias standing down to some degrees.”
You also said, “So what you had is a combination of political factors inside of Iraq that then came right at the same time as terrific work by our troops.”
You seem to overlook the direct role that the U.S. military’s distinguished analysts played in the “Sunni Awakening” and the “political factors” — and that the military leadership studied this report and implemented its recommendations “on the ground” in Iraq. Sen. McCain knows this history.
MY PREDICTION: Barack Obama has never heard of the “Iraq Tribal Study” and doesn’t know the authors. He would stumble through an answer but would be essentially stumped.
His remarks indicate that he believes the Sunni leaders decided, entirely on their own, to band together, and that he is unaware of the role of the military’s best thinkers in making that happen.
Larry also reports that Walter Pincus’s editors wouldn’t allow him to identify the contributors to the Iraq Tribal Study, so Larry did. Among those contributors is Larry’s longtime friend and mentor, Patrick Lang. Larry lists the sections of the report, and closes with these remarks:
If the Department of Defense had done studies like this sooner there would be fewer dead Iraqis and Americans. As I have noted in previous blog entries, solving the immediate problem in Al Anbar does not ensure reconciliation with the Shia led government. These tribes are not friends of the Shia and do not see themselves as part of the national Iraqi government. But, at least we have a grassroots solution being put into place and the effective disengagement of U.S. troops killing Iraqis in Al Anbar. That is a step in the right direction.
It is also important to acknowledge Walter Pincus’s stories published BEFORE the Iraq War in which he pointed out the grave hazards of pursuing the ambitions of another ill-experienced president, George W. Bush, who also didn’t listen to his generals. Unfortunately, Mr. Pincus’s stories usually ended up on pages A17 or A19, while the pro-Bush administration stories got A1 treatment.
Here is more from Walter Pincus:
The Iraq Tribal Study provided a handbook on how to gain that support by covering the basics. One section, titled “How to Work With Tribesmen,” explains that “RESPECT ( Ihtiram in Arabic) is the key,” and also warns: “Do not assume that they want to be like you.”
The study summed up how the Sunni tribes viewed the conditions that Washington established in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. “Throughout the modern history of Iraq, the Sunni tribes have occupied a privileged position in Iraq society and enjoyed wealth, autonomy and political clout,” the report said. “To lose those advantages in a system of proportional representation that empowered the Shia, or in a truncated Iraq with a Kurdish autonomous province, would bring shame to a long and prosperous Sunni history.”
It also cautioned that the main themes of the U.S. message in Iraq — “freedom and democracy” — do not resonate well with the population “because freedom is associated with chaos in Iraq.” In addition, the Sunnis “are deathly afraid of being ruled by a Shia government, which they believe will be little more than a puppet of the Shia religious extremists in Iran.”
The study identified three tribes in al-Anbar province. … Read all.
:::::::
OF NOTE: The CBS interview segments are very short. There was far more to those interviews, both of which are important to read in full:
CBS: Barack Obama, July 22, 2008
CBS: John McCain, July 22, 2008
Although I am not a declared supporter of John McCain, I give him his due for knowing the real history behind the surge and understanding the sophisticated analytical and strategic thinking that went into the “surge,” which was far more than a simple escalation in troop numbers:
Couric: Senator McCain, Sen. Obama says, while the increased number of U.S. troops contributed to increased security in Iraq, he also credits the Sunni awakening and the Shiite government going after militias. And says that there might have been improved security even without the surge. What’s your response to that?
McCain: I don’t know how you respond to something that is such a false depiction of what actually happened. Colonel McFarlane (phonetic) was contacted by one of the major Sunni sheiks. Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening. I mean, that’s just a matter of history. Thanks to General Petraeus, our leadership, and the sacrifice of brave young Americans. I mean, to deny that their sacrifice didn’t make possible the success of the surge in Iraq, I think, does a great disservice to young men and women who are serving and have sacrificed.
They were out there. They were protecting these sheiks. We had the Anbar awakening. We now have a government that’s effective. We have a legal system that’s working, although poorly. And we have progress on all fronts, including an incredible measure of security for the people of Iraq. There will still be attacks. Al Qaeda’s not defeated. But the progress has been immense. And to not recognize that, and why it happened, and how it happened, I think is really quite a commentary.
Couric: A commentary on what?
McCain: That Sen. Obama does not understand the challenges we face. And … not understand the need for the surge. And the fact that he did not understand that, and still denies that it has succeeded, I think the American people will make their judgment. …
Worse, Barack Obama doesn’t know about, or acknowledge, the highly influential Iraq Tribal Report that was circulated in the highest ranks of the military, and changed how the military interacted with the populace of Iraq.
As Larry Johnson just said to me on the telephone, it is very worrisome that Barack Obama thinks he is capable of making judgment calls independent of the military. Larry said, “We’ve already had one president who did that. George W. Bush. We can’t afford another.”
Lest we forget: “Wonky” Hillary does know about the Iraq Study Report. She has talked with the authors of that report. She knows a great deal about the strategy and the intelligence-gathering that is required. That is why she earned the endorsement of Patrick Lang, one of the contributors to the Iraq Study Report, as well as Larry Johnson — not to mention over 30 flag officers.
(List Price: $27.95 - Your Price: $15.47)
By Sarah Palin (Release date: November 17. 2009)
who’s more stupid? BO or couric?!
obviously, mccain did not want to say …… that BO made a stupid statement. so he phrased it as
“And to not recognize that, and why it happened, and how it happened, I think is really quite a commentary.”
and because Couric did not get it, she asked:
“Couric: A commentary on what?”
she is sad
She is even dumber than Jane Pauley, which is pretty dumb. Once, at the end of a 180 second bit about champagne, Jane askes the interviewee:
“And what region of France produces the best grapes for champagne?”
The interviewee looked at Pauley as if she’s just farted loudly in church, dumbfounded, and said:
“Why, the Champagne region of France, Jane.”
thanks fred. maybe couric needs some champagne. does BOBO drink that?
ROFL….Fred I had forgotten that one….thanks for that….OH BROTHER!
roflol thanks i needed that.
Jane Pauley is smarter than Obama.
And Champagne may have originated in Champagne, France but it is made all over (technically called sparkling wine, but commonly referred to as Champagne.)
Pauley was a decent anchor. And Couric did not kiss Obama’s ass to the degree that the late Tim Russert did.
Couric actually pressed Obama in that interview, and persisted when he got testy, she said “I don’t need to belabor this point, Senator, I’m just trying to figure out where you stand.” She is not stupid.
OMG—Will this ever end. Pinch me now, I want out of this nightmare!!!
Ehemmm…..This aint’ no nightmare….This is Purgatory….But never fear there is a Messiah on the horizon bla…bla…bla…
Juan Cole who is an expert on the Middle East has written an article in Salon on how wrong Obama
is in Afghanistan too. It is worth the read.
Juan has been spot on with Iraq for years.
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/07/23/obama/
Great article, but I couln’t help but notice that Obama wouldn’t even let Karzai wear his traditional GREEN robe. Katie Couric may have been playing on her reputation. I don’t think that she was as dumb as she appeared to be in that interview, and she was just baiting McCain, trying to get him to flat out state that Obama is an inexperienced clusterf**k, and McCain was not so clueless, and he was able to come up with a diplomatic and considered response that very politely called Obama an inexperienced clusterf**k.
surprise, surprise.
a few months ago all the media was talking about mccain’s temper. looks like he can control himself well and is very diplomatic. experience?
I noticed the vein in Obama’s head was about to burst, Katie clearly made him uncomfortable.
Yes Susan, he was lucky it was not you he was talking to.
He was also clearly talking down to “Katie” as he mentioned her name quite a bit, like “Now Katie, you KNOW better than to ask me a question like that…”
Yes - I kept thinking would he say that to Charlie Gibson? He was very irritable.
I am concerned too with the buildup of force in Cuba, with Russian bombers. Could it be because Russia fears that Obama, will be elected. If you study your history (just net search Jimmy Carter and Brezenski) you will find out about the hatred Brezenski has for Russia and how this Middle East mess started.
Susan, I bet Obama’s aides will read this blog and get to know about the Iraq Study report and perhaps run to it so he can act like he knows it next time — what a charade? With 300 advisers you would think they would prep him right, right? But of course, there is not much time, and of course not much interest from the One except for the bullet points. He and his minions are pathetic. They are always several steps behind, it looks like.
I think so too that Obama’s aids are here looking for anything to help their campaign.
like they put his bio together after the fact — reverse engineering.
too many countries on tour, too little time for updates. his mind is already foggy.
ohhhhh, i forgot, too many foreign languages, protocol change on a daily base. the pie was too large to be gulped in one bite.
and no soup for him. got milk?
And I’m so embarrassed that he is not multi-lingual.
Merci beaucoup to you too, BO.
Since the media is keeping us muffled,
how do we fan the enlightenment of No Quarter out to the general public?
This “air of inevitability” strategy is powerful, but there must be a way to shatter the illusion they are protecting him with.
“Why don’t you ask your buddies to speak louder so I don’t have to repeat it?” — Obama
Imbecile
LOL..what an idiot LOL
He uses words like “rachet up” LOL “offer carrots and sticks” LOL…bumbling stooge cannot complete a whole sentence or make sense for that matter. What exactly DID HE SAY?
we are in trouble..he is going to piss the world off and is doing a good job at it now even though he’s not even the party’s nominee.
He likes to say “typical” and “snippet” and “sound bite” and “distraction” a lot.
I propose we BAN those words at NQ…unless used sarcastically of course.
Doesn’t Obama have 300 foreign policy advisers accompanying him on this trip? Are they all morons or Obama just chooses not to listen to them….mmm sounds like someone we all know and loath- Bush!
They email him foreign policy questions and suggested answers. I think they’re having trouble getting him to listen.
CNN: Obama’s PUMA Problem
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Party Unity My A–!
Not all of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s supporters have fallen in line behind Sen. Barack Obama.
Not exactly the slogan you want heading into your presidential nominating convention, but one that is being repeated online and in neighborhood bars by a group of disenchanted Democrats, who have dubbed themselves PUMAs.
Why are they angry? It all depends on whom you ask.
Some of the PUMAs accuse Democratic leaders of rigging the primaries to favor Sen. Barack Obama, while others feel that he is not qualified to be the party nominee, let alone competent enough to lead the country.
continue: http://countusout.wordpress.com/
Nice link!
This paragraph in your link quotes “Even though Sen. Hillary Clinton conceded the Democratic presidential nomination to Obama in early June”
She didn’t concede she suspended!
So his argument against war is surging troops in a different war?
and
His argument for using the money spent in Iraq to help our economy is to spend it in Afghanistan and Africa?
and
His plan for energy independence to occur in 22 years helps our economy and national security how?
If he said,” I will destroy this country” right out loud, would anyone hear it?
No. No one pays attention to what he says. He makes absolutely no sense.
Look at this. ABC says this is BO’s second trip..What?
The news is wrong and we have a candidate who talks in riddles. God Help us. Anyone belive in miracles?
Hillary in nomination would solve all this in a heartbeat.
ABC’s Terry Moran: “This is Obama’s second trip to Iraq. His first was in January 2006 when the country was plunged into horrific violence. But the surge of U.S. troops, combined with ordinary Iraqi’s rejection of both Al Qaeda and Shiite extremists have transformed the country. Attacks are down more than 80% nationwide. U.S. combat casualties have plummeted. Five this month so far, compared with 78 last July. And Baghdad has a pulse again. If you had to do it over again, knowing what you know now, would you – would you support the surge?”
Barack Obama: “No, because – keep in mind that –”
Moran: “You wouldn’t?”
Obama: “Well, no, keep – these kinds of hypotheticals are very difficult. Hindsight is 20/20. But I think what I am absolutely convinced of is that at that time, we had to change the political debate, because the view of the Bush Administration at that time was one that I just disagreed with.”
Whaaaaat? BO makes absolutely no sense what-so-ever!
Pastor Manning after reading your word for word on Obama’s response I really have to wonder what in the world do some of these press people find so brilliant with this man.
I cannot make any sense of his words even after reading it several times, is this the blundering idiot the media wants us to elect as president, even George would of given a better answer than that, and if Obama can’t respond better than G.W we are in big trouble.
“Brilliant” is just another slogan made by his people early on in the beginning of the campaign. Everything about Obama is fake, but if you tell a lie a thousand times, people will believe it.
That’s BO’s normal speech pattern. Will we ever know what he is saying? The AA’s call people like BO ‘Mack Daddy’. They play everyone and pimp off the people around them for their own gain.
If he said,” I will destroy this country” right out loud, would anyone hear it?
Hope, you are spot on with that comment. Drip by drip, word by inaudible stutter sound (uh,ah,ummm) he is saying exactly that. He claims no one is listening to him, in this context, I agree.
Obama Takes a Tank Ride
http://www.colfaxrecord.com/detail/89322.html
“I always wanted to get in one of these things”, he later told a reporter.
“Its weird, while I am a pacifist, once you get into a tank you just want to blow somebody up”.
OMG He ran his campaing on being against the war now he’s riding in a tank and saying he wants to blow somebody up..ohhhhhhhhhhh
DUKAKIS!
No, his supporters would say “What he means is that he would destroy the country to build it again without the politics of fear”
This part from the Couric/Obama interview are especially worrisome for me:
Couric: Two more questions. You said not too long ago that Jerusalem should remain undivided. And then you backtracked on that statement. Does that play into the argument that some believe that someone more experienced would not have made that kind of mistake?
Obama: Well…if you look at what happened, there was no shift in policy or backtracking in policy. We just had phrased it poorly in the speech. That has happened and will happen to every politician. You’re not always gonna hit your mark in terms of how you phrase your policies.
I mean, what the hell are we supposed to think when a candidate admits that he nearly wrecked relations with Israel over a “poorly phrased speech”?
Yes, scary, right? Look at his obfuscation. Every politician does it, poor phrasing, these things happen — no, we don’t want an “every politician” to be our president.
And, what of the “WE’ pm317? What if one of these “we’s” decides to spoon feed him some garbage that wrecks relations with one of our other allies?
I agree. We have a master con here — look at how if you read that para quickly, some may think “oh, how refreshingly honest that he is admitting to poor phrasing..” Why isn’t there a follow up from the “journalist” on what the consequences will be of such “poor phrasing”?
But you raise is an even bigger issue of reliance on advisers (300 now?) who may or may not be telling you the right thing, especially if do not have the insight (experience, anyone?) yourself to figure out what is good and what is damaging. After 8 years of Bush, to find ourselves here and now is tragic not to mention scary.
Hmmm….Look what the phrase/word CRUSADE did for us…..sheeesh!
Diplomacy with Iran is important in getting them to give up their aspirations to nuclear weapons. It is an important step and we’re glad that we didn’t start this process with an unconditional Presidential Summit as Senator Obama has promised.
Ah, the royal “We.” Obama and his speechwriter knew exactly what “we” were doing - pandering to the Jewish vote at AIPAC, and rescinding his comments the very next day when his Middle Eastern supporters vented their rage. I doubt that any thinking Isreali politician believes any position taken by Obama or his handlers. Our allies no doubt wonder as much as we do about the “real” BO, and that doesn’t portend a promising future for American foreign policy. Rather, it’s the prescription for a nightmare.
I heard him say this morning at that managed presser in Sridot sp?, trying to fanagle his way out of what he has said to AIPAC, then he said it again Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel
and how precondition and preparation are not the same thing with regard to meeting with Iran
how he is committed to Israel defending itself as a nation state
how he thinks there is a ‘moment’ now to act now, and waste not a minute if HE were POTUS..wow! sounds like Carter to me!
again signs of dangerous personality, he said if he thought HIS PRESENCE would make the difference and HE were abel to convince another leader to take an action he would meet with them
he believes his own BS verry dangerous IMHO…
hey was that able a Freudian typo-ABEL hmmmmm
______________________
can I say I really dig the Minister of Israel with him? she is very impressive sorry dont know her name, foreign affairs minister I think?
Then shouldn’t he have issued a retraction like he did with his double take regarding his Iraq position?
WELL-Here’s what Isreal has to tell him…
Published: 07/22/08, 11:52 PM
An Open Letter to Barack Obama
by David Ha’ivri
We know who you are and who your friends are.
Barack Obama, why don’t you just go home?
Barack, your visit here is just a waste of time; you’re not wanted or needed here. We’ll do just fine without you and you’ll probably do better with out us, too. Don’t come around here making as if you’re looking out for the good of Israel. We know who you are and who your friends are. Zigzagging back and forth about dividing or un-dividing
Zigzagging back and forth about dividing or un-dividing Jerusalem won’t clear your history.
Jerusalem won’t clear your history.
I’m not talking about your middle name. Any good Christian might have the middle name Hussein (although I can’t think of any others). We won’t hold that against you. There are worse things than having an Arab name; like for instance being supported by a known Jew-hater, bigot Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, who among other statements has accused the Jews of bringing on the Holocaust through cooperation with Hitler - “They helped him get the Third Reich on the road.” But, of course, it would be wrong to hold that against you, because you haven’t been rallying for his support (recently).
We can’t really blame you for the beliefs of Father Michael Pfleger, who embraces Black Liberation Theology, which claims that Jesus was Black - so the Jews have no claim to Israel and, therefore, the Muslims are the rightful heirs of the Holy Land. Those beliefs have nothing to do with you, aside from the fact that you have coined the man your “moral compass.” But one must admit that Pfleger is not your only mentor and also is not alone in looking up to Farrakhan.
Your spiritual mentor is Reverend Jeremiah Wright, who has praised Jimmy Carter for denouncing Zionism. Last year, the Trumpet Newsmagazine of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ gave the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter Award to Louis Farrakhan and said that he is a man who “truly epitomized greatness.” You are a member of that Church and Jeremiah Wright is its leader and your spiritual adviser.
Now you won’t go so far as to criticize Jimmy Carter, not even for meeting with the heads of Hamas, because, to paraphrase your words, “It’s not your place to criticize him.” That is, not until the next day, when you were seeking the support of Jewish leaders. Then you must have found a new place for criticism. Aren’t the Jews great for giving a guy a new vision and a sense of self-confidence? Is that what you meant by, “It’s time for change”?
Barack Hussein, we won’t hold it against you. But can you tell us what you mean by supporting a Palestinian State along side Israel? Do you mean a replay of the ethnic cleansing of Jews from Gaza three years ago? Do you foresee soldiers carrying men, women and children away from their homes, which are to be demolished by bulldozers? Palestinian rule brought on the endless rocket fire on Sderot and the thousands of Jewish refugees who have yet to find permanent homes or means of a steady income. Is that your vision of a new hope that Farakkhan’s Final Call website praises you for?
Barack Hussein, why don’t you just go home? Your visit to Israel this week is not because you’re looking out for the wellbeing of Israel and the Jewish people. You’re coming to Israel looking for the Jewish vote; your goal is to
Don’t use us or our land as a photo-op.
speak with the Jewish American voters through the press coverage of this tour to the holy land. You want them to think that you took the time off from your busy campaign to further peace in the Middle East. Your hope is that enough stupid Jews will misread the message and take it as an act of support for Israel.
Don’t use us or our land as a photo-op to transmit a twisted call for support to Jewish-American voters. You don’t fool us. We know who you and your friends are.
Barack Hussein, why don’t you just go home? But on the way out, remember the words you heard here from the proud Jewish settlers in Judea and Samaria: “This is our land!” We are back after two thousand years of forced exile and we are not about to leave it again.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/8126
That’s well beyond poor phrasing. That’s frank stupidity, and probably ignorance as well.
When will this obama nightmare end? . . .it just has to! I can’t take much more of it.
Prepare for the worst, in Obama’s words 8 to 10 years because he obviously doesn’t know how long the President serves.
Please understand that in the seven or ten invisible states that only Obama knows about, the rules are different.
I read something last February where Obama said in the first term he would follow the rules, but after re-election he would indoctrinate the Nation of Islam and all that goes with it..out with the constitution and America as we know it.
I haven’t mentioned this until now, but I haven’t forgot it.
‘Still want to fight hard for his election Hillary?
Didn’t Hillary say “I don’t want to see this country go backwards” Well, unless she wins the nomination we are going backwards with these two candidates.
Hey Lou….can you find/link that….I must have missed that one and I would enjoy reading that…..thanks
The above comment was snark….hiccup…
The money spent in Iraq argument is total bull. Obama makes you think that we load planes with cash and drop it in the Iraqi desert.
The truth is the majority of the money is spent on American goods and services. Military personal and millions of manufacturing jobs are supported by these funds right here in America.
FINALLY someone on the left manages to grasp this simple point!!!! Thank you, Angry Michelle! Yes, there are indeed added incremental costs of conducting operations in Iraq. But those 130,000 troops that are there now would still have to be paid regardless of where they are based. They’d still have to be fed regardless of where they are based. They’d still have to be housed wherever they are based. So, the idea that if we pulled out of Iraq tomorrow we’d magically be able to stop spending the entire billion a week (or whatever the number is) that we’re spending in Iraq is BS. We’d still be spending a big chunk of that money regardless.
And as you say, a lot of that spending goes to American providers of good and services that our military needs in Iraq. In short, the money stays here in ourv economy.
One of Barack Obama’s strongest Congressional supporters may not even be a resident of the district he has represented in Congress. Robert Wexler, a Democrat, is being accused by his Republican opponent in an upcoming election of “playng a residency shell game”, saying Wexler pretends to keep an address in Florida while “flagrantly” making his home in Maryland. As a Florida “resident”, Wexler apparently pays no state income tax, while living with his family in Maryland, which does have a state income tax.
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/07/residency_issues.html
Yeah he sleeps on his mother in laws couch and leaves the kids in maryland.
No wonder he didn’t care of Floridians got a revote.
Hmmmm….1/2 residency for 1/2 representation of 1/2 humans in a district that doesn’t deserve full representation?….at least Wexler is consistant….
And the DNC/ NEW PARTY wonders why HRC’s followers are resisting indoctrination….sheeesh!
Seeing him look all bewildered as that reporter pounced on him in his driveway was priceless!! He wasn’t doing all of that infamous screaming we all got to witness at the Rubbish and Bullshit Committee Meeting a couple of months ago. He was looking really sheepish and dumb. lol
This so-o-o scary. The idea that we would nominate, not to mention possibly elect, someone as unprepared for the job as this is beyond belief. He stumbles and mumbles his way through these answers and the press acts as if they’re listening to poetry. This whole trip is an illusion: making “The One” appear presidential.
I’m furious with these overpaid media types acting like a bunch of adolescent groupies. But it’s also very scary when you consider what’s at risk. God help us all.
PUMApac.org
Remember, Barack Obama admitted he would rather see failure in Iraq than concede that he was wrong about the surge.
Do we really believe that a candidate who places his political ambition ahead of our national interest is qualified to be our commander-in-chief?
There was ethnic cleansing in Baghdad that actually took the violence level down
–Barky Obama
Brilliant, Barky. Just brilliant.
that’s how he solved the violence problem in chicago.
or the ethnic cleansing is happenin’ as we blog.
He must consult with Odinga.
is Odinga from Champagne? (see above Fred C. Dobbs | 2008-07-23 11:27:12)
LOL….Funny that
i recommended your site to a friend. i pointed out the graphic part. the little flash icons. both me and him voted for the Che/BO.
great work. personally i like very much the boxing little PUMA. i used a similar boxing trick in one of my videos. keep it up:) (the boxing and the site)
It is called Red lining in the US.
OMG-he said that? Oh God help us. Hillary for President! Imagine it. See it. Smell it. Taste it.
His press conference today was pathetic. He spent the entire time “clarifying”.
One person mentioned that he didn’t answer a question taht was asked and he sniped, “Why don’t you ask your buddies to speak up louder?”. It didn’t go over well. The guy doesn’t have a very good nature and once in awhile his mask falls off.
Another characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Google NPD and Obama - quite revealing.
Hmmm….Narcissus is such a ho-hum old story and name….Why don’t we update it….Obama Personality Disorder….I mean the Seal got updated and refreshed wriiiiight ?
Yes, and it’s surprising how brittle he is this early in the game. The more he’s questioned, the nastier he gets. He looks to be close to his breaking point, with months to go in the campaign and 8 or 10 years as executive.
It’s gonna be a rough road, Barky. You’re not fit.
Didn’t the press say the reason Hillary didn’t get good press coverage was because her staff was ignorant, mean and nasty to the reporters?
Oops, I forgot the same rule doesn’t apply for the Obamaone.
I’m telling ya, Uppity - he is JUST like Bush!! Bad temper and all!!
HOW is it that those Obamabots don’t see it?!?! I know - stop banging my head against the wall trying to figure it out…
The bushbots would excuse the stupid remarks of their chosen one — just like the Obamabots excuse the stupidity of THEIR chosen one.
It is really rare to be able to watch both sides of the same coin at the same time.
WE see the Obamabots acting like bushbots — but they can’t see past their beloved leader (monster).
isn’t he “clarifying” for the past 4-5 months?
and he lost his kewl? that’s not “fresh”.
thank you so much for this post Susan, and thank you to you and Larry for filling us in on all this background and the work that went into the strategy the military used based on the report referenced here…
the idea of a totally inexperienced person, filled with their own arrogant sense of some abilities only they have serving as CIC is frankly terrifying
What’s really scary is that it appears that Obama either did not read the Iraq Tribal Study report, or if he read it, either forgot what was in it or chose to ignore it. Another choice is that one of his 300 advisers mentioned it, but BO didn’t retain or understand the information conveyed to him. You can’t become POTUS by cramming! Correction: you may become POTUS by cramming, but you won’t be able to handle the job! BTW, if I were running for POTUS, I would have personally read that report for myself, and would have discussed it with the generals long ago, as it appears Hillary Clinton did.
SusanUnPC, thanks for updating us on the Pentagon Report and Larry’s work (plus that of Walter Pincus) in informing us about it last year. And thanks for your take on bHo’s lack of any awareness.
This presumptious candidate is such a pretense, a charade, an abomination — and right now all Democrats who have not stood up to the NonSense are responsible. This accusation from me now includes Hillary and Bill. Debt or no debt, threat or no threat, no one should get on board the unity train to the oblivion of pure stupidity. All Democrats should stand in shame before the flag of the U.S. — that bHo scrubbed from his plane. Every word he utters on Iraq and Afghanistan comes out of emptiness. Limbaugh’s 8 minutes of bHo’s “uhs” indicate how many of the 300 quickie seminars he was trying to pull up on his internal teleprompter. It sure doesn’t work very well.
I am still a PUMA; I want Dem leaders to come to their senses; but I am supporting John McCain. He is the only candidate standing up for our country, and I think we (”former” Democrats) must respect those conservative and moderate Republicans and Independents who helped make McCain’s candidacy a reality. Beware of all the Bushie supporters, though — administration acolytes, corporations, and media people — who are in the tank for bHo. They know he will support their causes with government dough and offer plenty of pardons.
Hmmmm…..But doesn’t Obama have the POTUS Cliff Notes special edition with FULL COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS to help him out….maybe he left his copy at home?
It is the size of an encyclopedia (to match his ignorance, gap in knowledge, experience and insight). Some things accrue exponentially over time and at a minimum, he has rushed his time and the biggest folly is that he thinks he can manage by having a coterie of advisers — haven’t you heard? 300 of them, right now. One more thing, he does not look like a genius to make up for that time, either.
I believe that if the press behaved like journalist and held the Obamaone accountable for every statement he makes or position he takes all of “we the people” would clearly see the empty suit. (even while still drinking the obama-aid.
If they had done their job, he would not have got past the Super Tuesday, oh hell, not past Iowa.
” All I can say is that I’m so glad that Israel made up with Israel and that they are now good friends….and Jerusalem gets to be the capital of both Israels….Cause you know they are now friends again….Obama says so….and don’t tell anyone but he and I have a special connection….He answers all my text messages himself….Gives me an edge….( wink ) ”
Anonymous reporter on the Obama Rainbow Tour
The Messiah has no realization that it took brilliant military minds to brainstorm, and develop the “Iraq Tribal Study for Al-Anbar Governorate.” A major piece of the puzzle, that helped bring a faster conclusion to the Iraq war.
The difference is, Gen. David H. Petraeus, who’s a respected military genius, compared to Barack Hussein Obama, who’s a “Igoranus:” A person who’s both stupid, and an asshole!
How’s this for Ignoranus?
While traveling overseas this week, Barack Obama said knowing what we know today he still would have opposed the surge.
As he visited Iraq, Barack Obama enjoyed the security and witnessed progress that was only possible because of the success of the surge strategy that he voted against, campaigned against and railed against in the Democratic primary.
Barack Obama was wrong on the surge and he is wrong to call for an unconditional withdrawal based on his political needs instead of conditions on the ground. Barack Obama has made it clear that his priority is withdrawal at any cost, even if that means spreading violence and an even wider war.
uhhh, that depends on what, uhh the meaning of the word “surge” is… uhhh
are you trying to triangulate me??? Uhh… I refuse to be pinned down!
Well, he might as well have said all that!
Great post Susan. Perhaps The Precious hasn’t learned much regarding Iraqi military issues, but I certainly did by reading your piece. I also agree with Larry’s assertions regarding the Iraqi Tribal Study:
Very informative on both your parts.
As one who was initially very skeptical of the surge, I’m happy to see that it appears to have worked. Why the hell can’t he just admit it? Say it and have done with it!
I can see that this interview footage with Couric will make its way to a 527
theatrecommercial coming near you, very very soon.And guess what??? It’s his own damn fault!
At his press conference this morning, Obama supplies 2 new titles for future NQ posts:
“The way you know where someone is going is where they’ve been.”
“You don’t have to look at my words look at my deeds.”
http://preview.tinyurl.com/58vhcy
Sorry its HuffPo, the first CNN clip is where he says this.
Re Obama’s NPD, as exhibited by his flashes of anger at what can only be described as relatively friendly news conferences:
” . . . The fact is, his comments are unique to himself… but, he has used a very powerful psychological tactic of ‘projection-identification’ onto all white persons in America;
I sent this to my friends as I believe Obama may be a radical racist, or a person who has at the very least, serious conflicting ideas about how he views himself and how he views society and his place in it… and who, through the use of the term ‘typical’, revealed this conflict and thus his Narcissism by grouping all white people into a category that he has effectively termed ‘typical’ disrespects white people as individuals. This is a big N-power move… he is going for all the marbles and while he says he is for unifying people across all spectrums, he has effectively disregarded the majority, whites, through the manipulation of language used in his Race speech;
I believe all people want to be thought of as unique, and are unique, yet through our strong herd instinct as social creatures, need to feel we are a part of the greater society we live in; hence, no one is typical, rather we are unique parts of a greater whole; comments that are attributed as ‘typical’ are always commenting on a group aspect of the greater society; trends and demographics reveal such as ‘typical’ behavior or ‘typical’ points of view; but it is a gross error in judgment to presume that because a group or faction within society behaves or speaks a certain way, that all people of the greater group are of the same tenor; Think about the 911 terrorists…they may be Islamic, but they do not reflect the greater Islamic population;
Indeed, one of the big mistakes people make in their logic is to think that ‘same’ means ‘equal’; same means identical with no differences, thus all are grouped together;
The word equal, when we speak of equality, means we are unique with separate traits and varying values, yet we are equivalent which affords us protection of our rights under the laws of our land… we are to be afforded the ‘same’ treatment in spite of our differences;
Obama should know better…he is a former professor of Constitutional Law; he tried using some of this Constitutional Law in a skewed way to influence and cover up his conflicting points of view in his Race speech;
He is charming and he has effectively charmed the media and many millions who have voted for him – rather than an astute politician though, he is a celebrity; he does not speak well when he is not scripted, in fact, he stammers a lot; these are classic traits of people unsure of themselves; he does not do well when pressed on issues of substance, in fact, he blew off a press conference a couple weeks ago by saying he had answered 8 questions and that it was enough;
Obama has stated that his backround, being the child of black and white parents, and his unique experience make him uniquely qualified to help unify blacks and whites; add the N-component and the argument takes on a different meaning: I am unique and all others ( he insinuates whites) who disagree with me are not – in fact, they are typical ( and typical means not unique); I would propose he felt slighted at looking black, so he sided with the black community, black church, black wife, and black cause which the cause celeb is , Not to be equal, but better than - to be supremely unique… which for a N-person means to dominate — which is their end game;
Narcissism comes in many different flavors, but it behaves the same, the control tactics are an arsenal of overt and covert manipulation, charm, flattery, slights, contrariness, one upmanship, adaptability, and more, all done to dominate; I find it interesting when Obama states what good ideas he and Clinton share, he declares he is the better candidate; he lifts her up when they are in agreement, and puts her down to undermine her credibility; this is part of the approach, assess, overvalue then devalue cycle that all Ns engage in on a cyclical basis…why?
The N-person has a false-ego that requires constant bolstering and the N-person seeks out those he can use: to gleen expertise from, to get support from, or to control;
More importantly, the N-person envies others who they perceive as truly better than they are…as in, more skilled, more astute, more successful, etc; the N-person sees themselves as perfect on an unconscious level, and any person who challenges their perfection ( their worldview and self-image, false as they may be) is considered the enemy; they are very poor losers and very poor team players; they are good at motivating, charming, encouraging…then they take the credit for other peoples accomplishments or achievements as though they had done those acts themselves; this boosts their false-ego and keeps their sense of self stable;
The fact is, Obama is in the Virgin Islands for some R&R,…this is also classic N-behavior; they have high amounts of energy and will go and go and go until they are exhausted, OR until a crisis manifests itself that threatens the false-ego ( meaning the threat of being exposed as weaker than they are, or that they are imperfect*); he is regrouping and will come out firing on all cylinders; he will be on the attack - even if he uses persuasion, rather than harshness, he will be aggressive;
*The pastor problems reveals the contrariness of Obama’s thinking and he said it shook him up — indeed it probably did as he truly thinks all other people think like him and agree with his Race Speech to justify his relationship with his hate-mongering pastor. And when he runs up against reality, the N-person has difficulty coping; they sometimes become enraged, sometimes depressed, often take revenge, or will ruin peoples reputations, and this entails the telling of lies and acts of deception to get their way as their false-ego dictates; Why? because they are intent on keeping their false world intact, to remain in control, and above all, have others be obedient to them; this has all the markings of a dictator… and even a benevolent dictator is a bad one.
http://bodylanguagelady.com/2008/03/02/obamas-revealing-body-language/
Of course. It’s his campaign tactic and we have been screaming foul about this since Christmas.
‘Want to know what he’s up to? Look at what he is projecting onto others!
Ask women who volunteer in battered womens shelters about the cycle of abuse. Obama is abusive.
These are abusive signals
ABUSE
After a trip to try an bamboozle, and hoodwink the Jews with his words of love, hope and peace he then follows that up with a quick trip to Germany to make a grand affair in front of a land mark that recalls Germany’s Nazi past.
Obama just loves to send off these mixed messages, and as always our media is just too bright to ever question Obama thoughts, sure looks to me as if there is a lot of confusion in the way he thinks
“…..Damn those Pesky Jews….Wish they’d forget about all that Nazi stuff….”
Obama to Axelrod during the worldwind Rainbow tour
“..they should just get over it…”
I think the most dangerousthing obama isn ot his inexperience, religion, or race, but his arrogence. G.W Bush, Nixon, and in his personal life Clinton all suffer from the same problem, and they have gotten in heaps of trouble because of it, however Nixon and clinton had experience and so at least there performance as president is some what admirable no matter how tanted the man. howeve Bush and Obama arrogence and inability to admit when they wrong ties is not just damage to them or the repretation but our country as a whole. I’ve heard some people say bush is a lot smarter than he appears to be, but I wouldn’t be total shots considering that a man that graduated at the top of his class think people with asthma uses breathalyzers and inhalators. But there biggest down fall was not know who to listen to, for bush it was Rov, Rusmfeld, and cheney, and for Obama it’s his own irrelistic inner voice and self delusion. I’m not sure wear I heard this from, but bit has always stuck with me. When flying a jet, it is important to know to trust you instruments, there are times when you senses will tell you are right side up when you are really down, and if you do not believe you instruments over you senses you will end up dead. If obama lacks the smarts to listen to the people he hires to do a particular job, he is going to finish this country off. Clinton beleived in letting people who knew the job do to job. He polled constinently on a variety of issues and allowed the american people to tell him what they want. I feel John McCain will do that, but I know Obama won’t
Hillary is doing that right now. She sent out a letter from her Hillpac asking what are our concerns and to tell her how we are doing with gas prices, economy etc..
She is still trying to help and uphold her promises.
In my opinion, that was a very good interview on the part of Katie Couric. I’m actually surprised…it was very balanced, both seemed to have equal time, and she also provided statistics.
Katie Couric: Good Job. Always bring us the unbiased News. No more Obama propaganda.
Can someone give Barry Obama a drug test? Please.
LOL….The Urine will contain Pure and Unadulterated OFFICIAL US GOVT. CRACK COCAIN….Uncle Jerry says so…..Old Habits die hard….
workingclass artist; hope you and yours are well.
If you compared BO to a work of art what would it be?
The Commander in Chief of any scene from any Hieronymus Bosch Painting….chuckle….These prove to be prophetic and should be retitled….
Welcome Comrade to the New America underthe Leadership of the New Party and our Dear Leader.
My daughter and I were moving….missed NQ and glad to be back especially during a week of Obama hilarity and good news about HRC….
Salutations Witty NQ regulars…..The quality of Trolls has really gone down no?
Bosch is what I had mind as well. Chuckle
Hope you moved ’cause you wanted to and not because of any difficulties,
Be well.
Nah….My slumlord Mohammed ( truly ) who is filthy rich was having a spat with the super ( who was blackmailing him with the leases )…
So it seemed a good time to find new digs and get to know a new slumlord…Kid’s going off to college and I can save $$ on living large by living small and simple….Found a great studio so we are Ok. Thanks for asking….
*** Never seen an apt. rundown empty so fast and what’s funny is the slumlord missed out on making any profit in a tear down….He’ll be lucky if he breaks even….Sometimes there is a little justice…lol ***
Wahoo!
We have the tank photo and quotes!
We have the gaffes and we have the obvious misogyny towards Katie Couric on video media.
Come on 527s let’s clean house!
No Obama!! EVER!!
.
NO idea? and this coming from someone who wants my vote based his “judgment”?
Do I have this square? He has a position where he does not have a clue of what the possible outcomes may be?
Beside not being his position that he came up with, he has not even given it enough consideration to be aware of the ramifications of a policy position he promotes!!!
That “my friends” is John McCain’s point.
I observe BO to be one of the most shallow humans in all of American history. Stunning, but not in anyway surprising at this point.
Judgment my Arse. UG
Hillary Super D’s. We are behind you. Please don’t lose your courage.
I’m sure Butthead Barky Obama knows something about “TROOP” “WithDrawl,” He’s having withdrawal symptoms from drinking gum turpentine and Pee Water. His damn brain is getting weaker ever moment.
Did you know? Probably not because Barky the prez has kept us guessing with all the media following the smell of paint thinner, (gum turpeentine),they too have become brain dead.
The following are facts….
Did you know that 47 countries’ have
reestablished their embassies in Iraq ?
Did you know that the Iraqi government
currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?
Did you know
that 3100 schools have been renovated,
364 schools are under rehabilitation,
263 new schools are now under construction;
and 38 new schools have been completed in Iraq ?
Did you know
that Iraq ’s higher educational structure consists
of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers,
all currently operating?
Did you know
that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in
January 2005 for the re-established Fulbright program?
Did you know
that the Iraqi Navy is operational?
They have 5 - 100-foot patrol craft,
34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.
Did you know
that Iraq ‘ s Air Force consists of three operational squadrons,
Which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft
(under Iraqi operational control) which operate day and night,
and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?
Did you know
that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?
Did you know
that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000
fully trained and equipped police officers?
Did you know
that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq
that produce over 3500 new officers every 8 weeks?
Did you know
there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq ?
They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals,
83 railroad stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities
and 69 electrical facilities.
Did you know
that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5
have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?
Did you know
that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid
October?
Did you know
that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq
and phone use has gone up 158%?
Did you know
that Iraq has an independent media that consists of
75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?
Did you know
that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?
Did you know
that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a
televised debate recently?
OF COURSE WE DIDN’T KNOW!
WHY DIDN’T WE KNOW?
BECAUSE OUR MEDIA WON’T TELL US!
Instead of reflecting our love for our country,
we get photos of flag burning incidents at Abu Ghraib
and people throwing snowballs at the presidential motorcades.
Tragically, the lack of accentuating the positive
in Iraq serves two purposes:
It is intended to undermine the world’s perception
of the United States thus minimizing consequent support;
and it is intended to discourage American citizens.
—-
Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site.
http://www.defenselink.mil/
Did you know?
So drink up Barky Butthead,you’ll need it come November….
Did you know
that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?
The story of that is a real zinger…
Hope you have …it’s a head shaker.
Holy Batshxt!!!
did you see what Uhhbama said about not being ‘able’ to wipe out Irans nuke program cause its ” a big country’ and their nuke program is ’spread apart’??
(as an aside-didnt he just tell Oregon Iran was a small tiny country?)
WTF is wrong with this guy??
I’m no diplomat, (as regular readers of comments here have no doubt guessed, LOL) but it would SEEM to me to be a BAAD idea to state that Israel or the USA would not be ‘able’ to do a strike on Irans program cause its so spread out…
(especially while we are at the frakkin table with them trying to get them to give it up??)
http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN/Politics/story?id=5432297&page=1
and PS Who the frak does he think he’s kidding on understanding ’smooth surgical strikes’ and whether or not Israel could make them?
This not the first time BO has made really really really really unadvised and ignorant remarks. He has not seen what Bush asked for in 2004/5 when some folks at the pentagon “threatened” to resign en-mass…tactical nukes etc. BO has no clue.
He is sure making BIG time mistakes.
Some one should stick yellow rookie tape on his mouth.
ginaswo still says no Uhhbama;
“…we have to do is avoid that” choice…
Call me made of wood, but did he just say we need to avoid a choice…
I hate to say it, but Iran isn’t going anywhere on Nukes. They have a long experience with the “west” when it comes to the “carrot and stick” thing.
Good luck BO. BO’s mouth makes feel like I am pulling 5 g’s…with this igit, he will never get tone.
I like to post this because every time I heard about obama and foreign relations it holds true. Obama’s foreign relations is akin to “can’t we all just get along”, and Alfred E. Neuman’s ” What, Me worry?”.
Oh and the convention cannot come fast enough for obama. If he keeps going the way he is, then the week of the convention obambi will be trailing mccain. Then what will the delegates do? Hell, place HRC’s name for nomination and let her become the nominee and lets go out and win this thing.
f the Department of Defense had done studies like this sooner there would be fewer dead Iraqis and Americans. As I have noted in previous blog entries, solving the immediate problem in Al Anbar does not ensure reconciliation with the Shia led government. These tribes are not friends of the Shia and do not see themselves as part of the national Iraqi government. But, at least we have a grassroots solution being put into place and the effective disengagement of U.S. troops killing Iraqis in Al Anbar. That is a step in the right direction.
About 14 years ago, our small (500 residents) in Georgia went under siege for most of a week not much time compared to the Iraqis. Our homes were shot at or into, a neighbor’s dog left dying in a yard, my husband narrowly missed by a bullet while standing in the street and a bullet ridden pool (not all that happened). The first night that my husband was shot at the police responded and did nothing. The next night when another neighbor’s house was shot into with the bullet ending up 2 inches over the headboard of her bed (luckily she was not in it) and other shots fired….the police responded again still not “getting” the culprits. The third night of shootings with a cop being narrowly missed (and our mayor in his closet in his house), my house was surrounded by police when I answered a knock on the door; they thought we were dead because there had been no movement in our house; I was awake but suffering from food poisoning and couldn’t wake my husband or son…. prompted our city council (with many phone calls from the residents) to do something to call a meeting. I called the media the next day in Savannah GA they sent reporters out and I granted them an interview including a tour of the homes shot at broken into, etc… My husband insisted I take back the interview.
He was afraid I would become a bigger target. One of the reporters came to our city council meeting….at the end of the meeting my husband told me to let the interview be aired on the news. He even added somethings to it. We took back our neighborhood by alerting the media, the city council was ineffective (they posted a sheriff in the center of town…he rarely patrolled the town) and the sheriff’s department took us seriously after the first night (it could have been stopped the first night if the sheriff who responded to the 911 call had got out of his car and pursued the culprit). After the first night I had decided a course of action…and followed it as each night progressed…and it took a lot of pressure to make the sheriff to do anything too! I organized the neighborhood. We had family and friends demand the sheriff do something. Some of us even visited the sheriff’s department. It worked. Why did it work, because I developed a mission statement and a goal and the steps needed to complete the goal.
I think Obama doesn’t understand goal oriented issues. The military didn’t just go write down a bunch of stuff then brainstormed….and out came that report…. like in my situation with the support of the sheriff’s department finally we were able to end the reign of terror….when you have support like the tribes did with our military it enables them….remember a great lady….Hillary Clinton’s book It Takes A Village….same in Iraq same in Georgia for me……
To understand “goal oriented issues’ one would have to stop looking at one’s own reflection long enough to consider other’s situations. As already stated we are dealing with an addictive, sociopathic, narcissistic personality disorder. And remember a pathological liar who stated that his uncle liberated Auschwitz.